Bangladeshi rickshaw driver
© AFP/File Farjana K. Godhuly

DHAKA (AFP) - As one of an estimated one million rickshaw drivers in the Bangladeshi capital, the 45-year-old blends in on his colourful three-wheeler -- until one of his clients recognises his face.

Ali is one of three men selected by judges to appear later this month in the final of an 'American Idol'-type television contest for rickshaw drivers.

The father of four learnt to sing folk songs as a teenager by listening to the radio in his village in northern Bangladesh.

He came to Dhaka 25 years ago to earn money for his family.

Like most drivers on the streets of Dhaka, Ali has legs of steel, a result of working 12-hour days, seven days a week to earn a daily wage of between 150 and 200 taka (two and three dollars).

"In the village I drove a buffalo cart and I would sing," he says.

"Now in Dhaka whenever I get snarled up in traffic, I sing. It makes my passengers very happy and they sometimes give me 10 percent extra. They get upset in the traffic but the singing helps make it bearable."

Bangladeshi rickshaw drivers wait with their passengers
© AFP/File Farjana Khan Godhuly

The television show, 'Magic Tin Chakar Taroka,' meaning three-wheeler stars, is open to drivers of both pedal and motorised rickshaws who sing Bangladeshi folk songs.

The idea is the brainchild of current affairs reporter Munni Saha, who was inspired after seeing an informal talent show for rickshaw drivers in a school playground on the outskirts of Dhaka.

Better known for making politicians squirm with her tough interviewing techniques, Saha made a five-minute news story about the initiative and from there the plan for a televised talent show gained momentum.

The three-wheelers -- still the cheapest and sometimes only mode of transport that can navigate Dhaka's narrow alleys -- are a vital source of income for many in the impoverished country.

The physically gruelling work is often criticised by rights groups as inhumane, but several attempts to eliminate rickshaws from Bangladesh have come to nothing.

"I just felt that as a human being you can't do so much for low-income people. Maybe they are a rickshaw driver, but they are also singers, so I thought why don't we help them," said Saha.

Bangladeshi rickshaw drivers in Dhaka
© AFP/File Farjana K. Godhuly

After getting her TV station to support her idea, she put posters on the back of rickshaws to advertise the talent hunt.

Soon after, outdoor auditions at four venues in the city attracted 3,000 men.

The number was whittled down to 20, who appeared in weekly episodes on the ATN Bangla network in September.

As well as gaining a huge following in Bangladesh, the show has rated well with overseas viewers, said Saha, with the station watched via satellite by Bangladeshi expatriates in the United States, Britain, Australia and Africa.

Until now, the best singers have been chosen by three judges, including renowned Bangladeshi singer Momtaz, but the winner will be decided by viewers voting by text message.

Saha said the show's popularity was likely mean the competition becomes a national event held annually.

The winner of this year's contest, to be aired on October 31, takes home 100,000 taka (1,460 dollars) and will have a solo album made.

There will also be a best-of CD of the top 10 finalists.

During his long days pedalling, Ali has allowed himself to briefly think about what winning might mean for him and his family.

"Riding a rickshaw is hard on my body and it's getting harder as I get older," he said. "If I win I'll give up the job and start a small business."

©AFP